The Sharpest Thorn

[sovereign]

OOC: This story details the rise of Rose Crenshaw to second in command of the Liberty Rogues. The manner in which this happens is not the nicest of ways, and be warned that this tale may and probably will contain plenty of betrayal, skullduggery, violence, the odd sexual references, general unfriendliness, and a plaid shirt. Possibly scariest of all, this tale involves several encounters with the Liberty Navy, also known as the Demon of Demons. You have been warned, thank you come again.

Two men walked into one of Buffalo's many bars. A few people waved at the more finely dressed of them, but they were ignored as the pair sat down at a table to the side. Within a few seconds the bartender had walked over.

"Greetings, Mr. Senger, its been awhile since you've come down."

"I keep telling you to call me Jack. I would say you don't listen but you seem to remember my favorite drink. Speaking of which-"

"Will do."

"Thanks. Say... I haven't seen those people before. Who are they?"

"They're a torper crew. The pilot got the ship named after herself, something like the 'Compass Rose'."

"I can see how that would work, wow, she's quite something."

"Evidenced by the rather large crowd around her. Seems like her ship got blasted, actually."

"Whatever. Is she DPL?"

"Nah, she's one of the most vicious Rogues around. Well liked by most of the guys for that... well, that and the more obvious traits. Need anything else?"

"Yeah, my drink. Thanks."

Jack threw the bartender a credit chip as he walked back to fix the drink. Once he was out of earshot, the other man spoke up.

"Boss, most of the guys around her are rather tough. If I remember right, she's only been here for a few short weeks. A few weeks plus that many followers already means a powerful new contender for the big chairs."

Jack didn't respond, craning his neck to get a better look at Rose.

"Boss..."

"Huh? Sorry Lucius, got a little distracted... if she's not DPL, that puts her under my command, right?"

"Yeah it does. Were you paying attention to what I said, boss?"

"Yeah, sure. I want her in my quarters when I get back from my next raid, is that clear?"

"You think she's that much of a threat you already need her in a bodybag?"

"Bodybag? Much better she's as alive as possible for what I have in mind. Try your best not to hurt her, it would be such a shame to see such a beauty get damaged."

"Oh. I see what you mean. Uh, right boss. You want her conscious or not?"

"Like I said, the more lively the better. Ah, thanks for the drink."

"Boss..."

"What? I can't have a drink before a raid? Pah."

Lucius sighed and looked over at Rose, currently arm-wrestling one of the other Rogues. When she won the bar filled with cheers and laughter.

"Boss, I'm serious. She could really be a pretty big threat."

"Whatever. Just let me finish my drink in peace. Go check on the Black Fang or something, I don't want anything to go wrong when I hit up this convoy."

"Sure boss. Whatever you say."

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